MUSCATINE, Iowa – Three individuals and one cat were able to escape unharmed following a late night fire at their residence Friday night according to the Muscatine Fire Department.
The Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call at 10:32 p.m. Friday (July 28) of a residence at 2027 Lucas Street that had smoke in their basement. MUSCOM dispatched Muscatine and Fruitland Fire Departments to the scene.
Upon arrival firefighters found an active fire in the basement. The fire spread to the attic from the basement due to the construction of the home. The fire in the basement was knocked down but it took several more hours for the fire to be brought under control in the attic and second story.
The fire was declared under control around 12:20 a.m. Fire personnel focused on hot spots and salvage operations of belongings until around 2:15 a.m. The home was under normal use and occupied at the time by three people and one cat who were all able to get out and are doing well.
Battalion Chief Gary Ronzheimer said that the Muscatine Fire Department is extremely grateful for the mutual aid assistance by multiple fire departments in the area including Fruitland, Wilton, Blue Grass, and multiple off duty MFD personnel. A total of 34 personnel responded to the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the family.